‘We are always getting ready to live, but never living.’ –R. W. Emerson
“Married people are happier than unmarried people. They are healthier, live longer, have more sex,” and do better on nearly every indicator of happiness, Gilbert noted. […]
“Of course money buys happiness,” he said. “A little money can buy you a lot of happiness, though a lot of money buys you only a little more happiness.” […] What’s the sweet spot where each dollar buys the most happiness? Gilbert cited a per capita income between $50,000 to $75,000. […]
Time spent resting, for example, the dream of so many working people, simply doesn’t deliver happiness. “People are happiest when the mind is engaged,” Gilbert said, whether talking, creating, or having sex (another point for marriage). “People are [also] happier when they give money away rather than spending it on themselves.” […]
“[Children] are not a source of happiness. […] Once people have kids, there’s a downturn in happiness.” […] “Of course we love our kids,” said Gilbert. “I never said don’t have kids,” but the scientific data is tough to refute.
